Christian Degen

June 30th 2008

Age: 29
Nationality: German
Occupation: Graphic designer
In Amsterdam: 1 year

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Love.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Building up my company, playing football in Westerpark, cycling
through town and areas around Amsterdam, going out for dinner,
especially with my girlfriend.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
For sure the most interesting town in the Netherlands, sometimes
cool, sometimes boring, Dutch people are not the most
fashionable people.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Before I moved to Amsterdam I lived in Barcelona so I wear
more warm clothes now. Also, since I live here, I have more
meetings with clients and because of this I wear more
nice shirts.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Maybe I am, it is difficult to say now, but afterwards I can
probably say that special things had an influence on me.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
Since my girlfriend is busy with this project I am more aware
of it but Amsterdam always has been an international setting
for me. So many different people give the town a nice
touch, it makes it an attractive city to live in.

Dimitar Bodurov

June 26th 2008

Age: 28
Nationality: Bulgarian
Occupation: Musician
In Amsterdam: 4 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Work and music.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Going to bars.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Diverse.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Yes it changed. Thank GOD there is still no H&M in Bulgaria..

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I am influenced by the multi-cultural diversity, I feel more like
a citizen of the world.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures
are represented in Amsterdam?
There are a lot of immigrants who seek a better life, and are
badly Integrated into the whole social spectrum, nevertheless
they are contributing with a landmark of their own culture to
form a new ‘modern’ society.

Shane Shu

June 28th 2008

Age: 32
Nationality: Canadian
Occupation: Musician, performer, photographer
In Amsterdam: 10 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
To study and for adventure.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
I like to bicycle and walk in the city.
I like to go to good restaurants.
I like to go out dancing (I never get the chance though).
I like to visit expositions, galleries and openings.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I think people in Amsterdam do what they want and are
quite free in the choices that they make.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here,
and because of what? These can be emotional, cultural
reasons or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
My clothing changed and that had to do with the student
culture (I became a member of a student fraternity) and later
it changed again due to my interest in my personal style.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I may be unconsciously influenced by the culture in which
I live however I do try to access and make opinions through
and with historic background and of course factual evidence.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I wasn’t aware of the fact that there are 177 cultures
represented in Amsterdam. I would assume that Amsterdam
has becomes a product of its cultural backgrounds; from
street corners to it’s very own borders, from the food we eat
to the cars we drive, to the ways in which we communicate.
The people become a product of their environment and
I think that is truly evident in Amsterdam.

Ingunn Jónsdóttir

June 28th 2008

Age: 24
Nationality: Icelandic
Occupation: Product designer
In Amsterdam: For 10 months

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Me and my boyfriend decided to move away from Iceland.
We wanted to go to a new place to continue our studies and
to experience something new. We have been to Amsterdam
on a vacation and liked the city a lot. Though Iceland is a
big country, it has very few inhabitants and Iceland is very
isolated. In my opinion it is very important for everyone to try
to live somewhere else than at home. It widens your understanding
on so many things.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
I like to go to museums and exhibitions, concerts and to
the markets. They are a source of inspiration for me, places
to gather energy from. Dappermarkt is my favorite market.
There I feel like a citizen of the world.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
In shops I see a lot of the same kind of clothing.
Generally I think people here could take more risks
in the way they dress.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here,
and because of what? These can be emotional, cultural
reasons or practical reasons such as weather or
availability.
I more often buy my clothes at markets than in shops.
But I cannot say that this has changed my style. Still I think
I have a more relaxed attitude here towards my style than
in Iceland. There I more often wore high heels and fancy
dresses. Also I have to say that in December it was very
cold for me here in Amsterdam and then I had to wear all
my clothes at the same time to survive.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
It is difficult for me to judge how the different cultures have
influenced me. But one example that I can mention is the
food. I eat different food here, more fries, herring and stroopwafels
than at “home”. I now have a poffertjes pan and I bake
them from time to time. And it is not all Dutch food I eat.
Since I moved here I have also tasted very good food from
different countries. The diversity here makes it possible
to get to know people from everywhere and their culture.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I knew that there were a lot of nationalities here. For example
I heard about a small neighborhood where about a hundred
languages are spoken. I want to live there.

Maja Markovic

June 28th 2008

Age: 23
Nationality: Serbian and Greek
Occupation: Decorator,stylist, creative allrounder
In Amsterdam: 23 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
My father’s company moved to Amsterdam, and so did we.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Dancing, going to exhibitions and cycling.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
There’s a huge young scene that is very expressive in their style.
It seems like this scene’s growing bigger and bigger. With media
like youtube and myspace people are presenting themselves much
more, so you now notice how much talents are actually wandering
around. They’re dancing, singing, making theater, there’s a lot of
creativity going around. It’s alive!

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Well I came here at the age of four, so I don’t remember my style
before. But I do think that living in Amsterdam has opened my eyes
on the possibilities of different styles, because of all these different
trends passing by.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I’m not sure if me being upfront is because of my Serbian background
or me living in Amsterdam. But I’m very direct and that
is in other countries usually recognized as something Dutch. I’m
influenced by some cultures like the Surinam one, they have good
parties, and their laidbackness can inspire me.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I knew this, cause you told me ;) but I think it has influenced
Amsterdam a lot! You notice it in the attitude of people, in the
street language, in a big variety of dance styles, clothing styles,
music. You have a lot of different food shops. This all is good for
any city, it makes a city versatile and inspiring, as long as everyone
respects each other it’s a very good thing!

Rosa Lekatompessy

June 28th 2008

Age: 11
Nationality: Indonesian, Dutch
Occupation: Still going to school
In Amsterdam: I was born here.

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
My parents did!

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Playing violin, dancing flamenco and horse riding,
writing and drawing designing dresses.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
It is funny that there are so many different people and things,
it is also interesting because of the different styles;
gothic, hippies etc.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Now is the moment that I am busy to develop my own style
and I like it to find my own style.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Maybe I am, it is difficult to say now, but afterwards I can.
I like the hair of my friend, she is from Ghana.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I did not know that it are so many, it is just normal for me.
If I was searching for it, it would make me alert on it but now
it is just the way it is.

Najam Murad Kahn

June 26th 2008

nationality: Pakistani
occupation: bollywood actor

Julian M. Lynn

June 26th 2007

Age: 30
Nationality: American
Occupation: Selling clothes, kicks and art;
Photographer and film video director.
In Amsterdam: leagally or illegally ;)?

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
I met a girl. Now its my shop, wolf and pack.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
I work 7 days a week. So, my work is my hobby and life.
I drink sometimes too, I think that’s a hobby if you do it enough.
I also like to collect miniature toy houses that take me months
and months to make, but then I burn them, and film it like its
a disaster movie. I am using this footage to help prove 9/11
was a inside job, all my toy houses are made of steel.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I think that I like that people like what I sell, and that we’re
still here doing our thing with wolf and pack. but I don’t think
about Amsterdam street culture much, cause that’s like thinking
about your life, and most people don’t do that too often.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here,
and because of what? These can be emotional, cultural
reasons or practical reasons such as weather or
availability.
I have always been Julian. To a fault at times.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I think that there is a change happening in Dutch culture on
a massive level right now. I don’t know what they want it to be
or is anymore. Closing the coffee shops, the red light almost
gone. I am influenced by my instincts and the options that
the people I trust see as being possible. I believe in a better
tomorrow, and I believe in myself.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I think that it is lost on most people. Amsterdam is a group
first, culture second type of place, as any real city type of place
is. So, I think that most people stick with their crew and do their
thing. But in the end, I go to this place called burrito that serves
Mexican food, but he is from Egypt, I guess that has something
to do with what your talking about. kinda.

Walid Shahin

June 26th 2008

Age: 28
Country of origin: Egyptian, Dutch,
Occupation: Patta & Patta Distribution
In Amsterdam: 8/9 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Study.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Living the life, a doggy life.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
The majority are sheep, sheep that follow...

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what, these can be emotional, cultural reasons
or and practical reasons such as weather or availability?
Nope.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
No.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented?
Didn't know it was that many but i realize that Amsterdam is a big
melting pot every day, you just have to walk out of the door, look
at your neighbours, your friends, look at the different stores and
food and you know we are multi culti.

Nayla Chebli-Hausdorfer

June 26th 2008

Age: 37
nationality: Lebanese
Occupation: Arabic language and belly dance teacher
In Amsterdam: 8 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
I married a Dutchman.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Cycling and belly dance.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I think that it’s very diverse; from very modern to very conservative,
from super stylish to super unstylish. I find that the Dutch
woman is taking less care of her looks and her femininity in
order to express emancipation and that the ‘foreign’ woman is
becoming more attached to her origins and trying to show that
with the way she dresses.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what, these can be emotional, cultural reasons
or and practical reasons such as weather or availability?
Yes my style of clothing has changed since I live here. It has
become much more casual: I now wear jeans and flat shoes
about 95% of the time. This has to do with practical and
cultural reasons: because I cycle a lot I cannot wear a skirt
or a dress or very high heels. The cultural reason is: much less
encounters with friends and family, almost no formal social events
to attend, and people around me are always dressed casual.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Of course I am influenced by Dutch culture: I now eat sandwiches
for lunch, I have dinner at 18:00 during the week, I try
to be on time for my appointments, I only go to the hairdresser
to get a haircut once every couple of months instead of getting
a brushing once a week, I don’t get a manicure and a pedicure
as often as I used to, and list goes on...

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I didn’t know that so many cultures are represented in
Amsterdam. I find that it’s influencing the food and drinks
being offered in supermarkets and in restaurants which are
becoming much more diverse and quality oriented. Actually
Amsterdam people are now expecting and requiring more
diversity in food and better service. It’s affecting programs
being offered during cultural events, festivals, theatres and
concerts. It is affecting people’s hobbies and interests like
for example learning belly dance, flamenco, capoeira, learning
foreign languages and travelling to the countries where the
people around you come from...

Magdalena Ptasznik

June 26th 2008

Age: 27
Nationality: Polish
Occupation: Sociologist, choreography student
In Amsterdam Over 1 year

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
The school I wanted to study at is situated here.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Drinking coffee in nice places, visiting markets.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
It’s really a second hand culture. This circulation of things,
not only clothes, really surprised me. People don’t dress too
elegant, and this I like. It’s really relaxed.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here,
and because of what? These can be emotional, cultural
reasons or practical reasons such as weather or
availability.
Yes, It changed a bit. Mainly because of lack of money.
Before I was buying more clothes. Now as I have to pay the
school I have to recycle my clothes on and on. And also, I started
to use found and second hand clothes. There are two more
things. First, most of my time I spend in training clothes, often
I’m too lazy and tired to change. Second, my life became quicker,
the clothes decisions must be fast also.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
My environment here is really international. If I’m influenced
by something that would be the fact of mixing cultures rather
than one of them in particular.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I see it’s very multicultural. I hardly know any Dutch. The city
it diverse. As a foreigner you don’t have to fit the norm.
But I’m sure it’s so easy to say that if you are here as a student,
not so easy if you are for example an economical emigrant.

Tamara Vierbergen

may 17th 2008

nationality: ugandese

Craig Terence Williams

May 17th 2008

Age: 34
Nationality: Welsh, British
Occupation: Graphic designer
In Amsterdam: 2 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Job, Wieden+Kennedy.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Cycling, visiting exhibitions, exploring and hanging
with my daughter.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Some cool, some strange and some great.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Absolutely not.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Only for graphic design and arts. I also love the architecture.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I knew it had a lot but not that many. I think it has always had it’s
unique presence in style and culture. Fashion wise it seems to
be a bit behind the major cities. I lived in London for 10 years so
nothing really surprises me except the rich Dutch guy’s with Pink
shirts, army trousers and cowboy boots. I do think there is a rich
culture here, the same as in any other major city with a history.

Michelle Gauci

May 17th 2008

Occupation: Art director
nationality: Australian

Ijesha

may 17th 2008

Age: 37
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Artist
In Amsterdam: 34 years
Why did you move to Amsterdam?
My father is Dutch.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Making music, dancing and singing.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
A little boring but OK, I am here when since I was three so...

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Yes! Europe is the capital for art and fashion!

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
Great!

Eveline de Boer

may 17th 2008

Age: 62
Nationality: Dutch
Occupation: Artist
In Amsterdam: 42 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam I felt at home.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
To look for vintage clothing.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I think there isn’t much of a street culture in Amsterdam; people
are very secluded. Everything has to be organized from higher
up in order for people to show their faces in the street. Well, you
do have the carrier-cycle culture for young parents. People in
Amsterdam tend to dress very neutral but there is definitely room
to express yourself in clothing.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
My style of clothing didn’t change a lot here; I have always
been very extroverted in my clothing.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I don’t think I am influenced by the Dutch culture; I tend to live
my own culture more.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I think it is amazing, so many cultures in one city!

Sebastiaan Mingface Duong

may 17th 2008

Age: 37
Nationality: Chinese, Dutch
Occupation: Artist, Mingface
In Amsterdam: Since 97

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Nice city: gay minded and especially creative and sparkling.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Good food, play tennis and sailing in boats.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
The street culture is very diverse in style. That colorful diversity
is very stimulating for designers and envigours the street’s
appearance.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
I don’t really have one style, but I do think that the influences
from the street influence my way of dressing. It changed a bit
but not that much.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture or
by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I can’t really say, It’s better to say that I have inherited the Dutch
culture: a big amount of friendliness and a healthy down to earth
mind.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I think I broadened the boarders of tolerance. In spite of some
very extreme cultures the presence of such a diversity of
cultures brings a lot of inspiration, pleasure and joi de vivre.